Module Overview

This is an introduction to public policy in health care management, with a special focus on health systems in Asia.   

It examines the role and relationships between policy planning, implementation and evaluation processes, and the different approaches of national health systems in providing, regulating and paying for health care.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• discuss and compare different public policy approaches to managing health care
• apply analytical tools and methods in planning, implementing and evaluating health programmes
• examine critically the impact of health sector reforms and the performance of health systems 

The module will introduce the study of health policy and comparative health systems through a structured systems approach. It will provide a framework for the analysis of public policies concerning the organization, financing and regulation of health care with a particular focus on Asia. Regional examples and innovations in health sector reforms will be analysed through selected country case-studies. Lectures and seminar topics include current concepts and issues in health care management, health economics and finance, the role of the state and the market, public-private participation and development of the health sector in Asia. 

Lectures, seminars and workshops, including the following -

• Individual/group project on Comparative Health Systems and Policies 
• Role-play on Stakeholder Analysis in Health Sector Reform
• Selected case-studies of innovative health care organization and financing
• Field visit to a health facility

Lecture hours per week                                                          3 hours

Exercises and assignments                                                     3 hours

Preparatory work and readings                                               4 hours

Total hours per week                                                            10 hours

Class Participation                                                                    10%

Assignment on Health Systems Analysis                                     20%

Group Project on Health Sector Reform                                      20%

Group Presentation                                                                   10%

Final Examination                                                                     40%

Total Assessment                                                                   100%

Open book written examination, consisting of one long question (50%) out of a choice of two alternatives, and two short questions (25% each).